[🇧🇩] Student revolution in Bangladesh-----how does it impact India?

Saif · Aug 15, 2024

India will always be supportive of Bangladesh’s growth: Modi

In his first public comments on the developments in Bangladesh, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed hope that the situation in the country normalises soon.

"India will always be supportive of the growth and development of its eastern neighbours," Modi said.

He also expressed concern over the security of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and hoped their safety would be ensured, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

"India will always be a well-wisher of Bangladesh's progress," Modi added.

The Indian PM made the remarks during his customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi this morning.

This was the first time Modi commented on the issue of Bangladesh since weeks of street protests in that country led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina from power on August 5 and fled to India.

"As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope the situation there gets normal at the earliest. The concerns of 140 crore countrymen to ensure the safety of Hindus and minorities there - India always wants our neighbouring countries to walk the path of prosperity and peace," the Indian PM said.

"India always wants our neighbouring countries to march on the path of prosperity and peace," Modi said adding "We are committed to peace ... In the days to come, we will continue to wish well for Bangladesh in its 'Vikas Yatra' (development journey) because we think about the welfare of humankind," he said.

Saif · Aug 15, 2024

Saif · Aug 15, 2024

Why can’t India accept that the people of Bangladesh toppled Sheikh Hasina?

It was a revolution spearheaded by students that succeeded in toppling a dictatorial regime of 15 years.

www.thedailystar.net

Why can’t India accept that the people of Bangladesh toppled Sheikh Hasina?
It was a revolution spearheaded by students that succeeded in toppling a dictatorial regime of 15 years

Protesters wave Bangladesh's national flag as they celebrate at Shahbag area, near Dhaka university in Dhaka on August 5, 2024. PHOTO: AFP

The most striking feature of Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar's statement at the Lok Sabha on August 6 was the complete absence of the Awami League government's egregious violation of human rights, and the killings of over 400 people (as documented so far), including youth, since July 16.

He began setting up a context for the people's uprising saying that there had been "considerable tensions, deep divides and growing polarisation in Bangladesh politics" since the January election. "This underlying foundation aggravated a student agitation that started in June this year," he continued. "There was growing violence, including attacks on public buildings and infrastructure, as well as traffic and rail obstructions. The violence continued through the month of July."

While there was dissatisfaction over the 2024 election—as well as the previous two elections—the quota reform protests did not really have much to do with that. It began as merely a student movement asking for reforms in the existing quota system in public service recruitment, which turned into an anti-government movement much later due to the government's brutal crackdown on protesters.

Jaishankar's statement does not even hint that Sheikh Hasina's government reacted with overwhelmingly excessive force against students, and police opened fire on protesters with live rounds, killing more than 400 people in the span of 23 days. The ruling party unleashed its student cadres, the Chhatra League, armed with machetes and firearms, on the unarmed protesters. It was only after then that attacks on public buildings began, which no one condoned.

Jaishankar went on to note that "Despite a Supreme Court judgement on 21 July, there was no let-up in the public agitation." He added, "Various decisions and actions taken thereafter only exacerbated the situation. The agitation at this stage coalesced around a one-point agenda, that is that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should step down."

Since the Indian foreign minister glosses over the former government's brutality, it appears to paint the democratic movement behind Sheikh Hasina's fall with a nefarious intention from its genesis—which fits into the Awami League's narrative—that this was a movement fomented by the BNP, Jamaat or even external forces such as the US. This is far removed from the reality of the Bangladeshi public sentiment. Sheikh Hasina's government murdered so many people before meeting the quota demands. There was a nationwide internet blackout for five days. The student movement had nine demands before the hearing and verdict, including an apology from the ousted prime minister and resignation of former ministers, including Obaidul Quader and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, for abusing law enforcement.

On the surface, the government said it was open to negotiations with students, yet there were block raids during the nights where law enforcers came hunting for students. More than 11,000 people were arrested in just two weeks. Innocent children were put in jails and framed for murders committed by the police—even ones that were recorded, like Abu Sayed's. The "step down" demand came to the fore on August 3. It was certainly not soon after the court verdict, when the situation was still reversible had Hasina wished to apologise and reconcile. But that was simply out of the question for an increasingly egotistical autocrat.

Jaishankar then jumps to August 4, when he says, "Events took a very serious turn." It did indeed. Awami League had by then decided to unleash its full force onto the protesters, who took to the streets despite the curfew, only to face the police baby-sitting armed goons of the Awami League. Violence shook the nation; the death toll kept climbing to nearly 100 people—the highest and deadliest ever for a single-day protest in the nation's history. Public anger only mounted; student protesters called for a "March to Dhaka" on August 5. In response, hundreds of thousands took to the streets in Dhaka and other surrounding towns ready to converge on Shahbag.

That was when the law enforcers realised the situation was beyond salvation and counselled Sheikh Hasina to leave. Initially, she reportedly refused and urged for using even more force to subdue the crowd. The army refused. Hasina was finally convinced to leave. It was a revolution spearheaded by students that succeeded in toppling a dictatorial regime of 15 years.

The fact that the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami took advantage of what turned into an anti-government campaign and publicly supported it was public knowledge. But entire communities—civilians from all walks of life—came out in support of the campaigners; the nation stood united against the ruling party. Hospitals gave free medical support, and general people donated to their common funds for food and water. Everyone sympathised with the protesters who were braving bullets on the streets and torture in the jail cells. Six coordinators were detained by the police and confined at the detective bureau against their will for several days without any regard for law or their rights.

What followed after she left her official residence was an outpouring of pent-up hatred for anything and everything linked to Hasina and the Awami League. Desecration of Sheikh Mujib's statues and murals and even his residence in Dhanmondi was heart-wrenching and hurt millions of Bangladeshis.

With the police gone and no law and order in place, minorities became an unfortunate target. The Daily Star reported violence against Hindu homes and businesses in 27 districts on August 5. These crimes must be investigated as the police are getting back on duty.

Hasina's Awami League consciously colluded with the religious fundamentalists, placating them and pandering to them to keep them at bay, only to make sure that Hasina remained at the helm without too much trouble from the right. It was the Awami League government that changed school textbooks, took out pieces by Hindu authors to replace them with stories and poems by unknown Muslim authors. Pictures and drawings were changed exactly as demanded.Besides restoring democracy, reviving the truly secular mindset of the masses is another uphill task that Bangladesh will have to undertake, now that Awami League is gone.

But, back to Jaishankar's statement: the blatant disregard for brewing tension among Bangladeshis, Awami League's intolerance for dissent and telltale signs of the Hasina regime turning into a classic autocrat shows a rather myopic and oversimplified Indian take of what is happening in Bangladesh. Jaishankar's articulate and witty tete-a-tetes with journalists or at discussion panels around the world convincingly demonstrates that he does not lack the calibre to appreciate these nuances. One wonders, then, if he had not been properly briefed by his aides on what actually happened in Bangladesh.

Just as this is an opportunity for Bangladesh to rebuild its future free from Awami League's clutches, it is also an opportunity for India to do some introspection. Bangladesh has just witnessed a people's uprising toppling a dictator—which will be a classic textbook case of the fall of an autocratic regime like Ceausescu or Marcos. And yet India remains extremely apprehensive about what is to come. India built relations with Awami League instead of Bangladesh. The Indian establishment has been more than happy to support Awami League for expedience despite its faults, and in the process alienated the people of the country. Today, with the ouster of Hasina and the Awami League, India is quite naturally seeing more than its fair share of criticism and dip in popularity.

It is really high time that Jaishankar asked his aides, or whoever is in charge of setting the Bangladesh agenda, how India backed itself to such a corner that it cannot join in the jubilation of a nation or empathise with our celebrations. He should ask how it is that India fails to see the new regime as a result of the mass people's uprising that it was, and why it needs to distort it by labelling it as the machinations of Pakistan, China or the US. Why is it that when we are relieved to have rid ourselves of a dictator, India is apprehensive that the djinn is out of the bottle?

Tanim Ahmed is a journalist at The Daily Star.

Saif · Aug 15, 2024

Bangladesh-India relations face trial of fire

The honeymoon between the two neighbours was stretching on over of the last one and a half decades. Then the present events took place. In face of the student-people's movement, Sheikh Hasina on 5 August resigned as prime minister and went to India along with certain others. And this opened a...

en.prothomalo.com

Bangladesh-India relations face trial of fire

Extremely exceptional circumstances prevail in Bangladesh's social and political scenario and it is essential that India gives this matter dispassionate consideration. Had the elections in Bangladesh over the past years been inclusive and had Indian policymakers played a positive role in this regard rather than deliberate nonchalance, perhaps the present scenario would not have arisen. Altaf Parvez writes on the present state of Bangladesh-India relations.
Altaf Parvez

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has visited India many times. She has been accorded huge receptions. But the significance and response this time was different for both sides.

The July-August change of political scenario in Bangladesh has had a deep impact on Bangladesh-India relations. As India is a large neighbour, it is also important on the part of Bangladesh to pay due attention to the prevailing tensions. It is essential for both sides to look into how normalcy can be restored to these relations and on equal footing.

New chapter in relations after Sheikh Hasina reaches India

The honeymoon between the two neighbours was stretching on over of the last one and a half decades. Then the present events took place. In face of the student-people's movement, Sheikh Hasina on 5 August resigned as prime minister and went to India along with certain others. And this opened a new chapter in India-Bangladesh politics.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has visited India many times. She has been accorded huge receptions. But the significance and response this time was different for both sides.

The matter of Sheikh Hasina taking shelter in India or of the Indian authorities providing her with protection, is being given significant attention in Bangladesh. India, though, has said that it was obliged to provide shelter in the sudden unforeseen circumstances. But it is not clear in New Delhi whether the India administration provided her shelter as a "refugee" or under any other status. India has no clear refugee policy or law. Shelter is provided on political considerations.

Over the past 15 years during the Awami League rule, New Delhi got the Hasina government to fulfill many of its wants, but did not reciprocate with Teesta water or other needs of the people this side of the border

Bangladesh situation can put BJP in a difficult situation

After Sheikh Hasina left the country and went to India, certain members of her family and of her party have been expressing their displeasure in the media. They are not accepting the change and are blaming various opponents. That is not unnatural.

No deposed powers in world history have wanted to accept their immediate helpless state or understand reality. But questions have arisen in diplomatic circles as to whether India will continue to lean towards Awami League's contentions. As it is, surprise has been expressed in the diplomatic arena over India's Sheikh Hasina policy. The question is -- why have they given their backing and support for such an extended period to a single party and government that was so unpopular among the people.

There is also a question as to whether India's Bangladesh policy created this downfall.

Over the past 15 years during the Awami League rule, New Delhi got the Hasina government to fulfill many of its wants, but did not reciprocate with Teesta water or other needs of the people this side of the border. All this simply served to hammer in more nails in the coffin of the unpopular government.

Doubts have arisen as to whether the India diplomatic and intelligence sources were accurately apprised of the reality on ground. The Indian media too is now probing into whether this was failure or obstinacy on the part of the Indian intelligence structure and diplomatic team. In New Delhi many are not contesting the issue and are accepting that they are in "dire straits" in Dhaka.

There are all indications that anti-BJP quarters will project this as a failure of the Modi government. Already Congress' Manish Tewari has placed a notice in the Lok Sabha asking for the government's statement on the situation in Bangladesh. The very day that Sheikh Hasina resigned, Shiv Sena's Priyanka Chaturvedi said in The Hindu that the events in Bangladesh were bad precedence from the angle of India's geopolitical interests.

Outside of these reactions and counter reactions in India's national politics, many independent analysts there are also raising the question, what message does India want to give the people of Bangladesh, who are aspiring for change, by displaying sympathy for a government that fell amidst unpopularity, protest and which carried out a cruel killing spree? In considerations of long-term diplomacy, are these astute decisions on the part of India? Instead of rectifying past mistakes, will they exacerbate these further.

Bangladesh's new govt faces diplomatic challenges too

After Sheikh Hasina took shelter in India, Bangladesh has dissolved the parliament and an interim government headed by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus has been installed in power. This government basically is an election-time non-partisan government. But even though it is a temporary government, it will require support and assistance of the international community. India's role and cooperation is important and necessary too. Bangladesh's multidimensional trade relations with its neighbour cannot be ignored either.

Bangladeshi nationals go in large numbers to India on a regular basis for education, medical treatment and all sorts of reasons. This is a significant source of revenue for India too. Normal relations are required in the interests of both countries. But after the former prime minister left the country, the Indian attitude being aired from various quarters is disconcerting for Bangladesh's new government. Train service between the two countries has come to a halt. It is reported that the brakes have been pulled on the trucks at the land ports too.

Experience of the past five decades says such meaningful relations will only be sustainable if there is equality in relationship and a policy of non-interference in each other's domestic affairs

In the meantime, Sajib Wazed Joy, son of the former prime minister, told Reuters on Saturday that his mother didn't resign before going to India and that she is still the prime minister of Bangladesh. Yes just a few days ago, in his first reaction on the ongoing events, he said that his mother was no longer willing to do politics. His new claim implies that India is sheltering Bangladesh's prime minister.

For valid reasons such statements have caused displeasure among the forces of change in Bangladesh. There is the apprehension that this will spark off agitation in a situation where peace and order is gradually being restored. It is clear that in keeping with Joy's statement if the former prime minister wants to carry out any political or administrative activities from India, this will not be taken well by the new political forces in Bangladesh. These rising forces are keeping sharp watch in India's role.

The local people here already are suspecting that India may be trying to cast a slur on the new political realities and new government in Bangladesh. Such suspicions are creating strong pressure on bilateral relations of the two countries. So rebuilding ties with the large neighbour poses as a challenge to the interim government. Also, this situation has created an unnecessary and unwarranted pressure on communal relations within Bangladesh. The situation demands New Delhi give the matter in-depth consideration.

Political analysts say the extremely exceptional circumstances that have emerged in Bangladesh's society and political urgently requires India's dispassionate consideration. There is no scope to overlook this. Had the elections in Bangladesh over the past years been inclusive and had Indian policymakers played a positive role in this regard rather than deliberate nonchalance, perhaps the present scenario would not have arisen. That questionable strategy served to accelerate the change in public psyche, resulting in the events of July-August 2024. This Bangladesh cannot be comprehended with conventional worn-out diplomatic mindsets. Rather that favouring any particular party or group, India needs to speedily reach out to the public psyche.

The various governments of Bangladesh have been adept at dealing with the Congress, BJP, Janata Dal governments in India in the past. India urgently needs to also become acclimatised to dealing with all political parties of its neighouring country. It needs to understand and respect the aspirations and expectation of the young generation here. That is the way for New Delhi to pull out from the "dire straits".

At the same time the new government in Bangladesh must continue by all means to endeavour keeping ties with India normal in order to take forward the task of political reforms. There is no alternative but to maintain good relations with a neighbour with whom we have a border almost 2500 miles long. There is no scope to give upon this.

Given the circumstances on both sides, on 9 August the Indian prime minister felicitated the chief advisor of the interim government in Bangladesh. That is a positive sign. Everyone hopes that these mutual good wishes will continue in the days to come. After all, good relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan are essential for the overall security of South Asia.

As violence and agitation spreads in Manipur and Myanmar, any diplomatic distance between Bangladesh and India will simply increase the complexities in regional geopolitics. But experience of the past five decades says such meaningful relations will only be sustainable if there is equality in relationship and a policy of non-interference in each other's domestic affairs.

* Altaf Parvez is a researcher on South Asian History

Saif · Aug 15, 2024

Ouster of Bangladesh ally a diplomatic dilemma for India

The ouster of Bangladesh's autocratic premier sparked celebrations in Dhaka this week but alarm in neighbouring India, which backed Sheikh Hasina to counter rival China and quash Islamist alternatives, analysts say. It has created a diplomatic dilemma for the regional powerhouse. Hasina, 76...

en.prothomalo.com

Ouster of Bangladesh ally a diplomatic dilemma for India
AFP
Published: 11 Aug 2024, 13: 00

The protesting students brought out a procession under the banner of ‘Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement’ which proceeded through different roads on the campus, Doyel Chattar, Supreme Court and ended at the Shahbagh intersection Prothom Alo file photo

The ouster of Bangladesh's autocratic premier sparked celebrations in Dhaka this week but alarm in neighbouring India, which backed Sheikh Hasina to counter rival China and quash Islamist alternatives, analysts say.

It has created a diplomatic dilemma for the regional powerhouse.

Hasina, 76, quit as prime minister in the face of a student-led uprising on Monday and fled by helicopter to longtime ally New Delhi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to offer his "best wishes" after Bangladesh's newly sworn-in interim leader Muhammad Yunus took power Thursday, saying New Delhi was "committed" to working with Dhaka.

But China was also swift to welcome Dhaka's new authorities, saying it "attaches importance to the development" of relations.

With Hasina's rivals in control in Dhaka, India's support for the old government has come back to bite.

"From the point of view of Bangladeshis, India has been on the wrong side for a couple of years now," said International Crisis Group analyst Thomas Kean.

"The Indian government absolutely did not want to see a change in Dhaka, and had made that very clear for years that they didn't see any alternative to Hasina and the Awami League."

'Detrimental'

Bangladesh is almost entirely encircled by India, with a deeply intertwined history long before they were partitioned out of the Indian subcontinent in 1947.

But while India's 1.4 billion population and dominating economy overshadows Bangladesh -- with a population of 170 million -- Hasina also courted China.

India and China, the world's two most populous nations, are intense rivals competing for strategic influence across South Asia, including in Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Hasina pursued a delicate balancing act, benefiting from support from New Delhi, while maintaining strong relations with Beijing.

New Delhi saw a common threat in groups Hasina viewed as rivals and crushed with brutal force, including the key Bangladesh National Party (BNP).

"India... worried that any alternative to Hasina and the Awami League could be detrimental to Indian interests," said Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Washington-based Wilson Center.

"In New Delhi's view, the BNP and its allies are dangerous Islamist forces that could imperil Indian interests."

Yunus has said he wants elections in Bangladesh "within a few months".

The BNP could be poised for a comeback, holding a mass rally in Dhaka this week.

In the immediate aftermath of Hasina's fall, some businesses and homes owned by Hindus were attacked, a group seen by some in Muslim-majority Bangladesh as having been her supporters.

Hundreds of Bangladeshi Hindus this week arrived on India's border, asking to cross.

Hindu nationalist leader Modi on Thursday said he hoped "for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities."

'She will go back'

The fact Hasina is sheltering in India may prove to be a stumbling block to relations between New Delhi and Dhaka.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told parliament Hasina had flown to India "at very short notice", and according to Indian media, intended to stay only briefly in transit.

But her reported bid to travel onwards to Britain was scuppered after London called for a "full and independent UN-led investigation" into the deadly crackdown on protests in the last weeks of her rule.

The United States in the past had praised Hasina's economic track record and saw her as a partner on priorities such as countering Islamist extremism, but Washington more recently imposed visa sanctions over concerns about democracy.

It is not clear how long she will now stay in India, or where else she might go.

Since arriving at military airbase near New Delhi, she has been hosted in a secret safe house and not spoken publicly.

Her daughter Saima Wazed said she was "heartbroken" she could not see her mother.

"As much as I would love to see Ma, I don't want to compromise her whereabouts in any way", Wazed, the World Health Organization's Southeast Asia chief, said in a since-deleted post on social media platform X.

Her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy told the Times of India newspaper his mother still hoped to contest for political office.

"She will go back to Bangladesh the moment the interim government decides to hold an election," he said.

'Earned the enmity'

Indian media warn of the "formidable diplomatic challenge" the country now faces.

"New Delhi must actively work to limit the damage, and ensure the high stakes in the relationship are protected," the Indian Express newspaper warned. "This could involve some near-term setbacks."

But Bangladesh's new leader Yunus has offered an olive branch.

"Although some countries, such as India, backed the ousted prime minister and earned the enmity of the Bangladeshi people as a result, there will be many opportunities to heal these kinds of rifts," Yunus wrote in The Economist, shortly before returning to Bangladesh.

Crisis Group's Kean meanwhile said he believes the nations will put the past aside for pragmatic relations.

"India is Bangladesh's most important international partner, and there's no reason that they can't find a way to move forward from this," said Kean.

"Economic forces will compel them to work together."

Saif · Aug 15, 2024

Sajeeb remark inroad into Bangladesh’s sovereignty

THE statement of Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of the deposed prime minister Shiekh Hasina who fled to India on August 5 after her resignation in the face of weeks of bloodied...

www.newagebd.net

Sajeeb remark inroad into Bangladesh’s sovereignty
16 August, 2024, 00:00

THE statement of Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of the deposed prime minister Shiekh Hasina who fled to India on August 5 after her resignation in the face of weeks of bloodied student-led mass uprising, that he made to the Indian Express reposing trust in India that New Delhi would ensure that elections in Bangladesh are held within ‘the constitutional time frame of 90 days’ not only makes, by implication, inroads into the sovereignty of Bangladesh but also constitutes an insult to Bangladesh and its citizens. Sajeeb Wazed, who was the information and communication technology adviser to Hasina and now stays in the United States, also said, as the Indian Express reported on August 14, that he would ‘urge Delhi to take a leadership role’ and ensure that ‘the constitution of Bangladesh is upheld.’ This is nothing short of inviting foreign intervention in the internal state of affairs of Bangladesh which should be construed as treasonous. The downfall of the Awami League ended about 15 years of its authoritarian rule when Sheikh Hasina made her regime free of opposition by trampling the people’s electoral rights in all three national elections in January 2014, December 2018 and January 2024 that ultimately caused the disenfranchisement of citizens and left the Election Commission in a pitiable condition.

The statement that Sajeeb Wazed has made also lends credence to the popular perception that New Delhi has played a role in buttressing Sheikh Hasina, in elections and at other times, for the Awami League to cling to power. Citizens — not all of them, of course — could easily guess, although they might not have known it for certain, that India has played the unwarranted role all along. Even during the run-up to the January 2024 national elections, India assumed an overtly neutral role but made efforts to retain Sheikh Hasina in power. Dhaka has given New Delhi almost all that it has wanted whilst New Delhi has always been reluctant at resolving all the prickly issues that the two neighbours have had unsettled all the while. All such happenings and their premonition have gradually given rise to an all-pervasive sentiment among Bangladeshis against India. India’s leverage over the regime of Sheikh Hasina, which was by and large not well received in Bangladesh, both in general and political spheres, tends to rear its head in the statement that the son of the deposed prime minister made to the Indian newspaper. And, this shows that Sheikh Hasina and her family have also believed in what people in Bangladesh generally felt about India, which appears to have always thrown its weight behind Sheikh Hasina’s regime.

And, this also holds true about the Awami League as a whole as several of Hasina’s ministers and some ranking Awami League leaders have displayed such a servile dependence on New Delhi by making statements that created controversies and were severely criticised by people. All this also shows that the Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, her family and her attendants have always depended on New Delhi rather than on the people of Bangladesh. And, her son, unfortunately, keeps tolling the same bell, well after Hasina’s deposal.

Saif · Aug 15, 2024

Bangladesh a clear reminder of how precious liberty is for us: Indian CJ

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasised the importance of liberty and freedom during the 78th Independence Day event in India. Highlighting India’s choice of freedom in 1950, Chandrachud compared it to current events in Bangladesh, pointing out the precious nature of these values. He

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh a clear reminder of how precious liberty is for us: Indian CJ
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Aug 15, 2024 21:02
Updated :
Aug 15, 2024 21:02

Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud | Photo Credit: ANI

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasised the importance of liberty and freedom during the 78th Independence Day event in India. Highlighting India’s choice of freedom in 1950, Chandrachud compared it to current events in Bangladesh, pointing out the precious nature of these values. He also spoke about the duties of citizens in realising the values of the constitution, Times of India reports.

“This day we honour the commitment of who lives this life to make it greater and who is working to make it greater. We all speak about the Constitution in the backdrop of the colonial era and what our country suffered. This morning I was reading a beautifully written piece by noted Karnataka vocalist Chitra Sri Krishna and the title of the piece is Songs of Freedom. The idea of liberty is woven into the fabric of Indian poetry,” Chandrachud was quoted as saying.

He was also quoted as saying, “We chose in 1950, the uncertainty of freedom, and what is happening today, say, in Bangladesh is a clear reminder of how precious liberty is for us. It is very easy to take freedom and liberty for granted but it is important to understand the past stories to remind us how important these things are.”

Chandrachud also paid tribute to freedom fighters who abandoned their legal careers to join the struggle for independence. Among those he mentioned were Babasaheb Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, Govind Vallabh Pant, Devi Prasad Khaitan, and Sir Syed Mohammed Saadullah, according to the report.

He reportedly highlighted their contributions not only in securing India’s freedom but also in laying the foundation for an independent judiciary

“Many lawyers gave up their legal practices and dedicated themselves to the cause of the nation. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, Govind Vallabh Pant, Devi Prasad Khaitan, Sir Syed Mohammed Saadullah among so many others. They were instrumental not only in achieving freedom for India but also in establishing a fiercely independent judiciary,” Chandrachud was quoted as saying.

Reflecting on his 24 years as a judge, Chandrachud emphasised the courts’ role in addressing the struggles of ordinary Indians, who come from diverse backgrounds seeking justice, according to the Times of India report.

“As a judge for the past 24 years, I can keep my hand in my heart and say that the work of the courts reflects the struggles of ordinary Indians navigating the rough and tumble of their daily lives. The Supreme Court of India sees throngs of litigants from villages and metropolitan cities of all regions, castes, genders and religions seeking justice. The legal community allows the court to do justice to these citizens in those small a measure,” he was quote as adding.

Chandrachud also touched on the necessity of modern, accessible, and inclusive judicial infrastructure. He stressed that this accessibility not only aids lawyers in their work but also fosters a sense of responsibility towards the judiciary, according to the report.

“The ease of lawyers to navigate the court not only allows them to assist the court with ease and efficiency but also for them to feel a sense of responsibility towards the institution of the judiciary as its custodian in the last six months,” he was quoted as saying.

Saif · Aug 15, 2024

Modi voices concern over safety of Hindus in Bangladesh; hopes normalcy soon

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said 1.40 billion Indians are worried about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, who have faced attacks during the recent political unrest in the country following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “1.40 billion Indians are worried abo

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Modi voices concern over safety of Hindus in Bangladesh; hopes normalcy soon
FE Online Desk
Published :
Aug 15, 2024 20:29
Updated :
Aug 15, 2024 20:30

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said 1.40 billion Indians are worried about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, who have faced attacks during the recent political unrest in the country following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

“1.40 billion Indians are worried about the safety of the Hindus, the minorities in Bangladesh,” PM Modi said while delivering his 11th consecutive Independence Day speech at Delhi’s Red Fort, reports UNB.

He said India will always be a well-wisher of Bangladesh’s progress and hoped the situation would normalise in Bangladesh soon. “Indians want the security of Hindus, and minorities there to be ensured,” NDTV quoted him as saying.

During a courtesy meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Wednesday, the Foreign Affairs Adviser mentioned the “highly exaggerated” media campaign about happenings in Bangladesh.

About former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent statements, he mentioned that such statements emanating from India are “not conducive” to fostering better bilateral relations.

Earlier on August 8, Modi conveyed his best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities.

“We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities,” Modi said.

He said India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfil the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security and development.

Saif · Aug 15, 2024

This monumental stupid should know that Bangladesh, Pakistan, and China also have the right to simultaneously invade India for its atrocities against Muslims in Gujarat and Kashmir

Congress legislator urges Modi to consider military action in Bangladesh over Hindu minority atrocities

Expressing concern over the political turmoil and reported atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, a Karnataka Congress legislator on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to hesitate to take decisive military action like former PM late Indira Gandhi did in 1971, reports econo

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Congress legislator urges Modi to consider military action in Bangladesh over Hindu minority atrocities
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Aug 14, 2024 22:38
Updated :
Aug 14, 2024 22:38

Karnataka Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad

Expressing concern over the political turmoil and reported atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, a Karnataka Congress legislator on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to hesitate to take decisive military action like former PM late Indira Gandhi did in 1971, reports economictimes.indiatimes.com.

Rizwan Arshad, who represents Shivajinagar Assembly constituency in Bengaluru, in a letter to Modi, also appealed to him to take "decisive action" to not only address concerns of minorities in Bangladesh but also in India, who have been under "constant attack both economically and socially by the right wing."

"I write to you today as a concerned citizen of India deeply distressed by the recent reports and videos circulating on social media, highlighting the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh and the atrocities being reported against Hindu minorities in the region," Arshad said.

If these reports are true, given the historical and cultural ties between India and Bangladesh, it is imperative that India takes a "proactive stance" in addressing these issues, he said.

Noting that the safety and well-being of the Hindu minorities in Bangladesh should be of paramount concern, the MLA urged the Prime Minister to engage with the new Bangladeshi government to ensure that immediate and effective measures are taken to protect their rights and dignity.

"The right-wing social media influencers and handles in India have been circulating news which if true (many have been found fake too), I urge the Government of India to ascertain the authenticity of these reports/videos. If they are proven true, the Government of India should take firm action," he said.

The people of India have always stood for justice, peace, and the protection of human rights, Arshad said. "As our Prime Minister, you should not hesitate to take decisive military action like Smt. Indira Gandhi did in 1971. I request you to use your esteemed office to extend a hand of support to our Hindu brothers and sisters in Bangladesh during this critical time."

"I trust that under your leadership, India will take decisive action to not only address concerns of minorities in Bangladesh but also in India, who have been under constant attack both economically and socially by the right wing," he said, and requested him to work towards ensuring the safety and security of our Hindu brethren in Bangladesh and fellow citizens, in particular minorities of India.

Bilal9 · Aug 16, 2024

Saif said:
This monumental stupid should know that Bangladesh, Pakistan, and China also have the right to simultaneously invade India for its atrocities against Muslims in Gujarat and Kashmir

Congress legislator urges Modi to consider military action in Bangladesh over Hindu minority atrocities

Expressing concern over the political turmoil and reported atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, a Karnataka Congress legislator on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to hesitate to take decisive military action like former PM late Indira Gandhi did in 1971, reports econo

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Congress legislator urges Modi to consider military action in Bangladesh over Hindu minority atrocities
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Aug 14, 2024 22:38
Updated :
Aug 14, 2024 22:38

View attachment 7496
Karnataka Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad

Expressing concern over the political turmoil and reported atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, a Karnataka Congress legislator on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to hesitate to take decisive military action like former PM late Indira Gandhi did in 1971, reports economictimes.indiatimes.com.

Rizwan Arshad, who represents Shivajinagar Assembly constituency in Bengaluru, in a letter to Modi, also appealed to him to take "decisive action" to not only address concerns of minorities in Bangladesh but also in India, who have been under "constant attack both economically and socially by the right wing."

"I write to you today as a concerned citizen of India deeply distressed by the recent reports and videos circulating on social media, highlighting the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh and the atrocities being reported against Hindu minorities in the region," Arshad said.

If these reports are true, given the historical and cultural ties between India and Bangladesh, it is imperative that India takes a "proactive stance" in addressing these issues, he said.

Noting that the safety and well-being of the Hindu minorities in Bangladesh should be of paramount concern, the MLA urged the Prime Minister to engage with the new Bangladeshi government to ensure that immediate and effective measures are taken to protect their rights and dignity.

"The right-wing social media influencers and handles in India have been circulating news which if true (many have been found fake too), I urge the Government of India to ascertain the authenticity of these reports/videos. If they are proven true, the Government of India should take firm action," he said.

The people of India have always stood for justice, peace, and the protection of human rights, Arshad said. "As our Prime Minister, you should not hesitate to take decisive military action like Smt. Indira Gandhi did in 1971. I request you to use your esteemed office to extend a hand of support to our Hindu brothers and sisters in Bangladesh during this critical time."

"I trust that under your leadership, India will take decisive action to not only address concerns of minorities in Bangladesh but also in India, who have been under constant attack both economically and socially by the right wing," he said, and requested him to work towards ensuring the safety and security of our Hindu brethren in Bangladesh and fellow citizens, in particular minorities of India.

This Muslim Kangressy is just trying to use an opportunity to gain cheap fame and notoriety.

We are just as worried about India's Muslims being oppressed and tortured under BJP/VHP/RSS/Shivsena free will and leadership in India. But we are smart enough not to meddle in another sovereign country's affairs, which these people "Dadagiri" emulators do not get.

I hope India's Muslims hold this elected Congress guy responsible for his inaction on Muslim rights in India.